Imaging Value of Contrast-enhanced Susceptibility-weighted Imaging for Cerebral Cavernous Malformations

Objective: To compare the contrast-enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography(CE-SWAN) and susceptibility-weighted angiography(SWAN), and to evaluate the value of CE-SWAN imaging for the basic features of cerebral cavernous malformations(CCM). Methods: Twenty-seven patients with CCM were collected, including 15 males and 12 females while an average age of 39.7 years(15 ~ 64 years). They underwent conventional MR, SWAN with/without contrast enhancement MR scan. In the magnetic SWAN, magnitude map and phase map were generated independently, and the CCM was evaluated from three aspects: number, structure and typing, surrounding blood vessels. The displaying effect of the image on the characteristics of CCM is divided into four grades from low to high, and the scores of 1 to 4 are assigned from low to high, respectively. Two experienced central nervous system radiologists quantitatively evaluate each image one by one. The displaying effect on the characteristics of CCM. All data were processed by SPSS 17.0 statistical analysis software, and the rank was evaluated by McNemer-Bowker Test. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The CE-SWAN sequence showed no significant difference in the detection rate and structure of the CCM with SWAN. There was significant statistical difference in the peripheral drainage vessels. Conclusion: CE-SWAN is superior to SWAN in the detection of drainage veins around the CCM. Which is an effective complement to traditional magnetic resonance imaging sequences and has potential value in evaluating the outcome of cerebral hemorrhage.